Michael's Random Thoughts and Photos on Spirituality

     In today’s liturgy of the Word invites us to climb two mountains, Mt. Moriah and Mt. Tabor.  We remember Abraham and Isaac, Peter, James and John; two encounters with God.  The first seems dark, even sinister, the second glorious.  In fact, they are both glorious. The first trek up the mountain by Abraham, off to sacrifice his only son Isaac seems dark and foreboding.  Many of Abraham's neighbors believed in gods that demanded sacrifice, even child sacrifice. Abraham probably felt, "well, this god is no different."  But by entering into the suffering, Abraham discovers a god of healing and new life who has absolute concern for suffering people. Peter, James and John suffered from darkness, not understanding who Jesus really was.  So, off to the mountain they go, and there, in an instant of insight they really SEE Jesus - for a single moment Jesus captured their full and undivided attention, lifting them out of their suffering and darkness.  It doesn’t last lon

So, how are we doing?  I have to say that I haven’t been this excited since July 21, 1969.  That was a special day.  I was driving back to Layton, Utah from Pocatello, Idaho, when Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong were landing on the moon.  I was listening intently on the car radio when they announced a three hour delay before Neil would get out and put his footprint on the moon’s surface.  Ah, great. We'll be back at St. Rose of Lima Parish in time to see it.  Unfortunately, the Saturday evening Mass was exactly at the same time.  Ken and I chatted for a moment, then I went out and asked the congregation what they wanted, Mass or to watch Neil get out and put the first human footprint on the moon.  Neil won hands down.  So Ken and I brought our TV into the church, setting it up in front of the altar.  A good time was had by all, and Mass proceeded shortly after.  That was a very spiritual moment and day.  For a brief moment our attention was lifted to the stars and beyond our prese